Valveless inner tube? Never needs filling
08-24-12, 09:01 AM
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Valveless inner tube? Never needs filling
I'm trying to find the name/brand of an inner tube I once found on a bike. It was extremely thick, hard and heavy, and did not have any valve, never needing filling. There was a sticker on the frame that said something along the lines of "equipped with x brand never flat tubes"
Just wondering if anyone knows about these tubes, and if they still make them, I'd like to buy some.
The bike was a 1960's Jaguar First Class (German) and the rear tire had completely skidded through. The tube however, was fine. I think we had to saw through the damn thing with a hacksaw to get enough slack in the wire bead to remove the tire. It might have been there since the 60's for all I know!
Just wondering if anyone knows about these tubes, and if they still make them, I'd like to buy some.
The bike was a 1960's Jaguar First Class (German) and the rear tire had completely skidded through. The tube however, was fine. I think we had to saw through the damn thing with a hacksaw to get enough slack in the wire bead to remove the tire. It might have been there since the 60's for all I know!
08-24-12, 10:07 AM
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Saw some at Target. My neighbor bought some for his kid's bike. After 2 hours, he gave up and brought it to me. After 1/2 hour, I finally got it on. They're heavier than air right where you don't want weight. Best for wheelbarrows.
08-24-12, 10:22 AM
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These foam filled tubes, or similar ones) have been around for years. They might make sense, for kids bikes, or bikes ridden for only very short distances like supermarket runs of a mile or two, or maybe for some utility bikes. The benefit of no flats has to be balanced against more weight, more rolling resistance and a materially harsher ride.
One bit of evidence of the performance issues is that wheels using these tubes seem to have issues of spokes loosening much more than with air filled tires.
In terms of efficiency, it'll be a long time before we can replace air, but I can see these for the applications I described. It's a trade off and up to each rider to decide.
One bit of evidence of the performance issues is that wheels using these tubes seem to have issues of spokes loosening much more than with air filled tires.
In terms of efficiency, it'll be a long time before we can replace air, but I can see these for the applications I described. It's a trade off and up to each rider to decide.
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08-24-12, 01:23 PM
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I don't think it was filled with foam but I could be wrong, this was over a year ago. I was thinking it could be a good option to give my customers, for cruiser bikes only, not road bikes. Most of the people I see riding around on cruisers look like they have their tires filled at about 20 psi, so I figured it could be a good idea.
08-24-12, 02:03 PM
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Saw them at Wallyworid. I have one on the rear of my MTB. Purchased that way. Will probably run it till the tire start to fall apart. Then go back to tube.
08-24-12, 02:23 PM
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Might be a question of semantics. We know it isn't air, and solid material would be too heavy, so that leaves the category of what I call foam. Don't think of it as a semi liquid foam like shaving cor whipped cream, but as a solid material that's been foamed like a sponge, or mattress or that new "lite" chocolate that the bums at hersheys are palming off.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
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WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
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